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Hi I'm Austin

I work. I surf. I raise a family. I travel. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

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I'm from Huntington Beach, California and my wife and I just added a new baby boy to our little family! Growing up in Huntington I love to surf. I also love film and love to travel. My wife and I got married, worked two jobs each for about a year, then sold everything and traveled the world for a year, well, 363 days... We started in Ireland and ended in Hong Kong and went to as many places as we could in between! We met so many AMAZING people of all different faiths and cultures and developed lasting memories and treasured friendships. One unique thing I've learned as I've had the opportunity to travel is that we truly all are brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father. There is no other logical explanation that can explain the love I've felt for and from random strangers that I've met around the world.

Why I am a Mormon

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Initially I was a Mormon because my mom and dad were mormons. I mean really, that's where everybody gets their primary beliefs and values. Once I hit high school I started to realize that this religion of mine asked a lot from me. An early morning scripture class that started before school at 515am EVERY week day, a chaste and virtuous life, two years out of my life for missionary service, church every sunday, one tenth of my pizza delivery tips for tithing, and countless other commandments on how to live my life! That's kind of intense for a high school kid. So, I figured I needed to know if it was all true or if I was missing out on life. That is the beauty about "being a Mormon", the choice is yours. I realized the invitation for me since I was a little three year old at church had always been, and will always be, to pray and ask God for myself if it's true. I never heard the words, "It's true, just trust me" or "Not everybody gets an answer." If the things that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe and teach are true That God and Jesus Christ have appeared to somebody in our day. That Jesus Christ's ACTUAL church as been brought back to the earth. That there are REAL Prophets and Apostles on the earth today, no different than Moses or Peter. Then surely we are entitled to ask God himself if it is true. That's what I did. I asked. I got my answers. And because I've received answers I KNOW that anybody can do the same.

How I live my faith

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I go to church on sunday. I teach a sunday school class for high school kids. I surf with my friends from church. I pray with my family. I study the scriptures. I try to offer service to my community. I try to think about the Savior throughout each day, follow his teachings, and treat others with love and kindness.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Austin

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You'll have to ask them sometime... Maybe a lot of reasons? Could be ignorance, or repeating what they've heard from somebody else, or fear, or trying to be funny? Who knows. The truth is that if you really searched it out, you'd be surprised at what you find.Show moreShow less

Do Mormons regard the Bible as Holy Scripture and the word of God?

Austin

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Absolutely. I love it. I spent two years on my mission studying it everyday!Show moreShow less

Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?

How can I find someone to talk with, in person, about the Mormon religion?

Austin

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Cruise through the Mormon.org website. It really is phenomenal. There are so many things I'd love share with you that are on this website. Check them out! But the most important thing is to pay attention to how you feel as you study these things out. God answers prayers, teaches us truth, and tries to communicate with us through the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit. When you find something here that feels true in your heart, that brings feelings of peace, love, joy, happiness, or goodness, that is your Father in Heaven telling you these things are true. Act on those feelings.Show moreShow less

Why is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Mormons or Mormonism?

Austin

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Interesting fact The term "christian" was a derogatory term critics gave to the followers of Jesus Christ shortly after his death and resurrection. "Mormon" is a nickname given to a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Show moreShow less

What do Mormons believe about family?

Austin

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That families can be together FOREVER. Yes, millions of people believe this, not because their church teaches it, but because it is true. This is a fundamental truth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Show moreShow less